OLIVIER RETURNS CAREER BEST 11/97

MARIO OLIVIER returned career best figures of 11/97 to propel the Chevrolet Warriors to an easy victory by 231 runs over the Nashua Dophins on the final day of their SuperSport Series match at Sahara Oval St. George's on Sunday.

The fast bowler followed up his first innings return of 5/38 to take 6/57 as the Dolphins fell well short of their victory target of 378.

Olivier's previous best match return was the 10/65 (all in the first innings, he did not get the chance to bowl in the second) against the Gestetner Diamond Eagles at OUTsurance Oval last season.

This result virtually assures the Warriors of third place on the final log regardless of the outcome of this week's final league match against the Nashua Cape Cobras at Buffalo Park.

The Cobras achieved their first victory of the season to get off the bottom of the log when they beat the bizhub Highveld Lions by six wickets at Senwes Park.

The Cobras had a minor scare when they lost four wickets for 37 runs in pursuit of a target of 105 before their two least experienced specialist batsmen, Richard Levi and Martin Walters saw them home.

Michael Owen-Smith

Media Officer, Cricket South Africa